Vancouver Airport to open automated passport control service

Canadian airport manager Vancouver Airport Authority said that its Automated Passport Control technology solution is now available to Canadian passport holders travelling to the United States from Vancouver International Airport.

Automated Passport Control is an expedited customs entry process that allows eligible passengers travelling from Vancouver International Airport to the US to clear Customs and Border Protection more efficiently, while still ensuring the same high standard of safety and security. The technology was developed by Vancouver Airport Authority in conjunction with US Customs and Border Protection.

Vancouver Airport Authority and US Customs and Border Protection announced this first-of-its kind programme at Vancouver International Airport on May 7, 2013.

The programme was initially only open to US passport holders but is now available to Canadian passport holders travelling to the US for temporary business or pleasure.

Since the launch at YVR, Vancouver Airport Authority has provided the technology to Chicago Department of Aviation installing the system at Chicago O´Hare, the first US airport to implement Automated Passport Control.

Vancouver Airport Authority is now working with Montreal-Trudeau Airport and Delta Air Lines at John F. Kennedy´s Terminal 4 in New York to implement Automated Passport Control.

Based on data collected at YVR and O´Hare, Automated Passport Control has significantly increased passenger processing efficiency, the principals said.

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport.Canada´s second busiest airport, YVR served 17.6m passengers in 2012, facilitated 261,000 takeoffs and landings and handled 227,000 tons of cargo. Sixty-eight airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 120 destinations worldwide.